COPS Manual

In our country today dogs being shot by law enforcement
is a big problem It is enough of a problem that the
Department of Justice released a report two years ago to
specifically address this issue. This very important manual,
expressly prepared for law enforcement, has been released by
the Community Office of Policing Services (COPS) division of
the US Department of Justice.

Bernard K Melekian, Director of COPS writes (in part) “In
the United States, dogs are an integral part of society,
which means police engage with dogs quite often in the line
of duty. There are a variety of circumstances where a dog
could be involved in a police call, and it is critical that
police departments not only develop effective departmental
strategies advocating for the proper handling of dog-related
incidents and encounters, but also proactively create
tactical-response strategies, ensuring humane treatment of
dogs and safety for the public and officers.”

Another quote within the manual says…” Americans love
dogs. There is roughly one dog for every four people in the
United States, and they live in a variety of relationships
with humans. Because dogs are such a part of American
society, police routinely encounter them in the line of
duty, not just when responding to calls about inhumane
treatment or when dogs are seen to present a danger to
people. Officers encounter dogs in the course of almost
every kind of police interaction with the public, from
making traffic stops and serving warrants, to interviewing
suspects and witnesses, and even pursuing suspects."

The Problem of Dog-Related Incidents and Encounters:

Click here
to see the Department of Justice's published document on dog
related incidents and encounters. Here they discuss tools,
practices, and procedures that contribute to effective
responses to dog-related incidents and encounters where dogs
are present. Primary goals include ensuring public and
officer safety and considering community needs and demands.